2024 In Review
Susquehanna University may have fallen short of its ultimate goal, reaching the 2024 NCAA Division III National Championship, but the River Hawks had plenty to celebrate in a historic season.
Led by 10th-year head coach Tom Perkovich, Susquehanna posted a program-record 12 wins, captured its second straight Landmark Conference title (and third consecutive conference championship overall), and earned the program’s first NCAA playoff victory and semifinal appearance since 1991. The River Hawks capped the season ranked No. 4 nationally in both the AFCA and D3football.com polls—the highest final ranking in program history.
By the Numbers
- 484.5 Yards per game (9th Nationally)
- 230.5 Rushing yards per game (10th Nationally)
- 52.2% Third Down Conversion Rate (11th Nationally)
- 42.3 Points per game (16th Nationally)
Battle at Salem Stadium
Year two of the Chesapeake Challenge featured a showdown between the Landmark Conference and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) at the iconic Salem Stadium, home to 25 consecutive NCAA Division III Football Championship games (the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl) beginning in 1993.
Representing the Landmark were Moravian University and Wilkes University, who took on Shenandoah University and Washington & Lee University, respectively.
The Landmark split the matchups, finishing 1–1 in the challenge. Wilkes fell to Washington & Lee, 40–21, in the Cape Henry Bowl, while Moravian secured a decisive 35–14 win over Shenandoah in the Cape Charles Bowl.
Moravian quarterback Jared Jenkins was named Most Outstanding Player after an impressive performance, completing 27 of 37 passes for 234 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 75 rushing yards on 11 carries.
Susquehanna University will enter the 2025 season as the team to beat in Landmark football. The River Hawks, coming off another strong campaign, collected 36 points and six first-place votes to secure the top spot in the preseason poll.
Moravian University earned the other first-place vote and tallied 31 points, slotting in at No. 2. Wilkes University landed in third with 24 points, while newcomer Western Connecticut State University made a strong entrance at fourth with 21 points.
Lycoming College (15), Catholic University (14), and Juniata College (6) rounded out the poll.
The 2025 season marks the third year of Landmark football, with seven teams competing for a championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Playoffs.
Catholic University
- Head Coach: Mike Gutelius (8th Season)
- 2024 Record: 5-5 (3-3 Landmark Conference)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 6th
Catholic returns after four consecutive seasons at .500 or better. The promotion of offensive line coach George Coles to offensive coordinator signals a focus on building from the trenches. Though they lost key offensive leaders at quarterback and skill positions, the offense remains dynamic behind returning running back Daequan Harvin. Defensively, veterans like linebackers Michael Hopkins and Sean Finan, and a strong defensive line anchored by Conor Jennings and Sean Holt provide leadership and toughness.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Daequan Harvin (RB) — 649 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Andrew Tabor (WR) — 392 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Michael Hopkins (LB) — 70 tackles, 6 tackles for loss
- Tyler Donnelly (DB) — 2 interceptions, 4 break ups
- Sean Finan (LB) — 61 tackles, 4 breakups
Notable Departures
- Joey Gulbin / John Whelan (QB) — 2,207 combined yards, 61.5% completion, 21 touchdowns
- Zach Williams (RB) — 407 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Anthony Giordano / Malachi Hansen (WR) —979 combined, 8 touchdowns
- Carson Henry (LB) — 48 tackles, 5.5 sacks
- Mason Stillwell (DB) — 1 interception, 67 tackles
- Connor Gill (K/P) — 41.0 punting average
Juniata College
- Head Coach: Blake Treadwell (3rd Season)
- 2024 Record: 2-8 (1-5 Landmark Conference)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 7th
After a tough 2-8 season in 2024, Juniata aims to bounce back in 2025. The Eagles return key contributors on both sides of the ball, including tight end Makih Hunt and wide receiver Nick Rice to lead the offense. Defensively, linebacker Aaron Rothermel and defensive back Ethan Shank will be critical in stabilizing the unit. Special teams will look to punter Wyatt Buell for consistent field position control.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Makih Hunt (TE) — 10 receptions, 82 yards
- Nick Rice (WR) — 36 receptions, 252 yards
- Aaron Rothermel (LB) — 34 tackles, 2 interceptions
- Ethan Shank (DB) — 99 tackles, 4 breakups
- Wyatt Buell (P) — 35.6 average, 18 inside the 20
Notable Departures
- Quintin Stephens (WR) — 663 yards, 8 touchdowns
- Hunter Wolfley (RB) — 984 yards, 11 touchdowns
- Calvin German (QB) — 2,483 yards, 64.0 completion %, 17 touchdowns
Lycoming College
- Head Coach: Mike Clark (18th Season)
- 2024 Record: 4-6 (2-4 Landmark Conference)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 5th
Lycoming aims to improve on a 4-6 overall record and 2-4 Landmark mark from last season. The offense returns standout running back Terrence Oliver, who earned Second Team All-Landmark honors after rushing for 1,003 yards and nine touchdowns. Quarterback Jay Huber and receivers Dawson Debebe and Karson Kline form a promising passing attack. Defensively, safety Ryan Pentz and linebacker Matt Trolinger will lead efforts to tighten the unit.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Terrence Oliver (RB) — 1,003 yards, 9 touchdowns
- Dawson Debebe (WR) — 684 yards, 8 touchdowns
- Ryan Pentz (S) — 47 tackles, 3 interceptions
- Matt Trolinger (LB) — 41 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss
Notable Departures
- Will Fish (QB) — 649 yards, 7 touchdowns
- Tyler Marshall (KR) — 585 yards, 26.5 average
- Billy Coppock (WR) — 257 yards, 1 touchdown
Moravian University
- Head Coach: Jeff Long (3rd Season)
- 2024 Record: 7-4 (4-2 Landmark)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 2nd
Moravian comes off a strong 7-4 campaign capped by a Cape Charles Bowl victory. Veteran quarterback Jared Jenkins leads a balanced offense featuring running back Joey Richmond and receiver Diego Del Castillo. The defense returns key contributors like defensive lineman Nathan Carr and linebacker Malachi McNeil-Harrison, while kicker/punter Jack Corrigan handles special teams duties.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Jared Jenkins (QB) — 2,892 yards, 33 touchdowns
- Joey Richmond (RB) — 474 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Nathan Carr (DL) — 33 tackles, 2.5 sacks
- Malachi McNeil-Harrison (LB) — 50 tackles, 5 sacks
- Jack Corrigan (K/P) — 42.3 punting average, 14 inside the 20
Notable Departures
- Jordan Bingham (WR) — 887 yards, 12 touchdowns
- Paul DeFalco, Brandon Guffy & Reins Leddy (OL) — Part of unit that helped offense average 391.9 yards per game
- Jeremy McGuigan (DL) — 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks
Susquehanna University
- Head Coach: Tom Perkovich (11th Season)
- 2024 Record: 12-2 (6-0 Landmark Conference)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 1st
Ranked fourth nationally in the D3football.com preseason poll, Susquehanna enters the season as a dominant force. Star quarterback Josh Ehrlich, a John Gagliardi Trophy semifinalist, leads the offense alongside dynamic running back and returner Rahshan La Mons, a D3football.com Third Team All-American. Defensive standouts include linebacker Jesse Ruisch and defensive linemen Brian Layton and Tim Pherson Jr.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Josh Ehrlich (QB) — 3,092 yards, 33 touchdowns
- Rahshan La Mons (RB/RET) — 1,650 yards, 18 touchdowns
- Jesse Ruisch (LB) — 58 tackles, 3 tackles for loss
- Brian Layton (DL) — 56 tackles, 6.5 sacks
- Tim Pherson Jr. (DL) — 24 tackles, 5 sacks
Notable Departures
- Nick Gonzalez (LT) & Eli Kantor (C) — Was part of the offensive line that helped SU rank 9th nationally in total offense (484.5 ypg), 10th in rushing offense (230.5 ypg), 11th in third-down conversions (52.2%), and 16th in scoring (42.3 ppg)
- Kyle Howes (WR) — 1,240 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns, 181 return yards, 1touchdown
Western Connecticut
- Head Coach: Kevin James (1st Season)
- 2024 Record: 9-2
- 2025 Projected Finish: 4th
Joining the Landmark Conference with momentum, the Wolves finished 9-2 last season. Defensive lineman Kile Jackson and running back Kamryn Holmes return to lead their units, while linebacker Dominic Rienzi anchors the defense.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Kamryn Holmes (RB) — 877 yards, 13 touchdowns
- Dominic Rienzi (LB) — 55 tackles, 8 tackles for loss
- Kile Jackson (DL) — 29 tackles, 4.5 sacks
Notable Departures
- John Giller (QB) — 2,015 yards, 30 touchdowns
- Keion Jones (QB) — 938 yards, 7 touchdowns
- Julian Ferguson (WR) - 977 yards, 11 touchdowns
Wilkes University
- Head Coach: David Biever (2nd Season)
- 2024 Record: 7-4 (5-1 Landmark Conference)
- 2025 Projected Finish: 3rd
Wilkes aims to build on a 7-4 overall and 5-1 Landmark season under new offensive coordinator Kyle Dickerson. Wide receiver Juju Fears steps into a larger offensive role, complemented by defensive leaders Tallen Murray and Tyler Wetzel at linebacker. Kicker Nick Volpone returns as a reliable special teams presence.
Key Players & Stats to Watch
- Juju Fears (WR) — 234 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Tallen Murray (LB) — 98 tackles, 6 sacks
- Tyler Wetzel (LB) — 69 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss
- Rob Barbieri (DB) — 69 tackles, 3 breakups
- Nick Volpone (K) — 72.7 FG%, 46 PATs made
Notable Departures
- Elijah Jules (RB) — 1,330 yards, 20 touchdowns
- Angel Ramos (DL) — 58 tackles, 8.5 sacks
- Xavier Powell (QB) — 2,085 yards, 18 touchdowns